DRA Press Release

Dakota Rural Action Declares “Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy Should be Legislature’s, Governor’s Top Priority”

January 9, 2008 … (Brookings, SD) South Dakota faces a variety of important issues during the 2008 legislative session. Yesterday, Governor Mike Rounds addressed many of them in his State of the State address. Dakota Rural Action Chairperson Jacob Limmer of Lake Norden believes the emphasis Rounds gave to oil projects in South Dakota is ill-advised and misplaced.

“When wind is widely supported and can be economically developed in ways supporting many South Dakota communities, why put so much energy into controversial projects with so many questions?” Limmer asked. “The legislature and the governor must make it a top priority for 2008.”

Limmer went on to highlight that during the speech the Governor also proposed 2 cents a gallon tax break for biodiesel. “This is a good idea,” Limmer said. “South Dakota needs to focus on energy solutions that take advantage of our resources, our communities and our people.”

Developing native resources like wind energy with and emphasis on development promoting local ownership will help South Dakota’s economy and the environment.

The Union of Concerned Scientists analysis of a nationwide 20 percent Renewable Energy Standard shows South Dakota could cash in on this emerging industry.

“Community wind development faces many hurdles,” Limmer said. “We need leadership to insure these opportunities are not lost by the governor or South Dakota’s legislature,” he concluded.

Dakota Rural Action is a grassroots family agriculture and conservation group that organizes South Dakotans, protects family farms and ranches, natural resources and our quality of life.